You are invited to celebrate the fall season on the farm. Heritage Creek Farm & Education Center, 2126 Risser Mill Road, Mount Joy, will host an Autumn Showcase and Pumpkin Derby Car STEM Challenge on Saturday, Oct. 25. The event will be held at the farm from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.

"We're opening the farm to the public to celebrate the beauty and importance of this time of year," said Cindi Hughes, owner and education director. "Through community events like this, we hope to highlight our agri-education programs, demonstrate the many layers of agriculture and environmental stewardship and most importantly, help people reconnect with where their food comes from. From soil to seed, every part of the farm tells a story - one that blends science, tradition and care for the land with agriculture."

The event will combine celebrating and fun with opportunities to inspire curiosity and hands-on learning, she noted.

"Whether you're building a pumpkin car, walking the Enviro-Trail or meeting a sheep for the first time, you're engaging in an experience that connects you to the earth and your food," Hughes remarked.

From racing or viewing the engineered Pumpkin Derby cars, to sipping piping-hot pumpkin apple cider by the fire, the event will offer a chance to dive into the richness of fall through science, art, nature and tradition, she added.

Visitors will enjoy crafts, including making pumpkin mosaics with beans; try their hand at using a drop spindle made from a turnip; and discover the history of carving jack-o'-lanterns, all while interacting with friendly farm animals.

"For curious minds and nature lovers, our Enviro-Trail is an informative adventure," Hughes said. "With map and compass in hand, trek through the farm, fields and forest, uncovering the hidden connections between agriculture and ecology. Little ones can cozy up for the enchanting Pumpkin House puppet play in the Little Seeds room featuring the autumn adventures of a curious mouse and a clever hedgehog. Finish off your visit with a stop at our farm store."

The event is sponsored in part by funding from Lancaster County Ag Council.

"This is our 14th year of offering ag-based education to the public," Hughes said, noting that the fall celebration is the third community event held at the farm this year. "Each year we welcome 100-plus private groups to the farm and operate nine weeks of summer camp."

In May, the farm hosted a Spring Extravaganza and Plant Sale, and an End of Summer Bash and Picked Palooza was held in August.

"Our final community event this season is called ''Twas the Night Before Hibernation' and will be held on Dec. 6, the last day the farm is open before winter break."

There is no admission fee for the Autumn Showcase, and no reservations are required. Contributions will be accepted to support the farm's mission.

For more information or to participate in the Pumpkin Derby Car STEM Challenge, contact Hughes at info@heritagecreekfarmcamp.com. For more information about the farm, visit https://heritagecreekfarmcamp.com.